Chengdu all-around champion returns to claim rhythmic gymnastics bronze at Rhine-Ruhr

Rhythmic gymnastics is one of the hardest sports in the world. It requires hours of daily practice, and most of an athlete’s life is spent in the training hall.

That’s why pursuing university education at the same time can be extremely challenging. Except for someone like Hungary’s Fanni Pigniczki, the double gold medallist from the Chengdu 2023 FISU World University Games, who is not only a top-level gymnast but also a psychology student at Károli Gáspár University of the Hungarian Reformed Church.

In fact, balancing both academics and athletics careers come from her family. Her grandfather (world silver medallist) and father were international table tennis players, while her mother is a psychologist. Carrying on this family legacy, Fanni is succeeding in both areas with grace and determination.

“I’ve been sleeping more than before (laughs). In the last few weeks I had a lot going on with my studies. I had to train a lot and also study a lot, so when I came here I was happy I could sleep more than what I was used to in the past weeks,” said the two-time Olympian, who is making her second FISU Games appearance in Germany.

Hungary’s rising star

Pigniczki began rhythmic gymnastics at the age of five and joined the national team when she was just 12 years old. Now 25, she has achieved historic success for her country. She became the first Hungarian rhythmic gymnast to win a medal in an individual apparatus final at the FIG World Cup series, World Games and FISU Games, the first to medal at the European Championships, and the first since 1973 to reach the podium at the World Championships.

After breaking her leg in early 2022, she never gave up. Her fighting spirit carried her through recovery and back to international success. With her resilience and talent, Fanni has made history in Hungarian rhythmic gymnastics, and her star continues to shine brightly.

After completing the hoop and ball routines on Thursday, 17 July with small mistakes, she competed in clubs and ribbon on Friday, earning individual all-around bronze behind neutral athlete Alina Harnasko, who claimed gold, and Takhmina Ikromova from Uzbekistan.

The Hungarian will compete in all four individual apparatus finals on Saturday.

“I won’t say that it is perfect because there are always things to improve. I was happy with the clubs. I really enjoyed it. I could be in the carpet focus on what’s the important things, with the ribbons I have some troubles because when I was warming up for my competition the ribbon did not work well so I had to change it (to the) reserve one (as) it did not really fit my leotard. Luckly it worked. So I’m happy that I could do it without a big mistake.”

Next stop: Brazil World Championships

Next up for Pigniczki after Rhine-Ruhr 2025 are the World Championships in Brazil, from 20-24 August. For her, it is not just another competition, it is the next step in her already historic journey. With her experience, determination and calm focus, she is preparing to make another statement on the world stage carrying the hopes of her country and the legacy of her family with every performance.

“It’s nice to perform in such a big event (before the World Championships) with many sports happening around. It really helps me get into the right mindset and prepare for the most important event of the year.”

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games take place from 16-27 July. Watch all the competitions live on fisu.tv. Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Düşlem Gökgöz, EU U-Media Ambassador, Türkiye

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

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